I am an artist, educator, and writer. I spent 16 years in academia, teaching at as an adjunct professor at the Rhode Island School of Design, School of the Museum of Fine Arts, Lesley University, and Wellesley College.
I became frustrated over the years with the lack of access to art education for so many, the elitist attitudes so prevalent in academia, and the exploitation of adjunct faculty.
Art Prof started a pie in the sky idea in 2014. I started writing Ask the Art Professor” on my personal blog for fun, eventually moving to the HuffPost.
Writing this column, I discovered an entire world of self-taught artists, teachers, high school students, and more. They existed outside of the bubble of academia I was living in and wanted so much to learn.
In 2013, I started teaching at RISD Project Open Door a program for underserved teens in Rhode Island. The artwork the teens produced as often just as good as what my undergraduate students were making. I realized that it all came down to access.
That’s why, after 16 years of teaching in academia, I left in 2020. I wanted to create a space where everyone, regardless of their age or means, could learn art at their own pace within a warm and supportive community.
I’m so glad you’re here with me! xoxo Prof Lieu
